So Grateful for Family both Near and Far

We love Thanksgiving, the holiday of gratitude. Our hearts are full of gratitude for family both near and far. We were lucky enough to celebrate in person with the Dave Ballard Family. Luke had his birthday party here with grandma and grandpa. Bonus!

We miss all our family and are grateful for their love and attention. They have kept us informed and included.

We are grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and all the blessings the atonement brings to our lives. We have had many opportunities to serve while on shift and away from the center, and see the tender mercies of the Lord in action. Many new friendships enrich our lives. We are humbled by the needs and struggles of many.

Christmas lights at the Mesa Temple & Visitors' Center with David, Leslie, Layla, Isaiah
and Lucas.

Isaiah writing like the statue of Isaiah behind him.

Posing in front of the camels and wisemen.

The international nativities are so beautiful and inspiring.

Turkey day! Yum!

Took lunch to the Riverview park and played.

Upside down Isaiah

Lovely Layla

Climbing Lucas

Happy boy

Dave got them swinging pretty good. 

Splash park in November, can you believe it! Temperature was 84 degrees.

These three are pretty funny. They like action pictures.

Hatching out of a prehistoric egg

Luke was fascinated by this guy.

  

Touching the starfish

Loving the underwater bubbles

Layla hands on!

We took a lot of pictures because the kids were having so much fun! 

On to the Rainforest Cafe, being the frog.

Luke enjoyed the gorillas, the coloring, the frog hat and his food.
He was starving!

Present time

Cake and candles to top things off.

Dave loading up the truck with some of our things to make our trip home easier.

All loaded up and headed home!